The Department for Work and Pensions is set to make a number of cost of living payments in December to help households who may be struggling with their finances.

The money, set to be paid over the coming weeks, could provide a welcome cash boost to many in the run-up to Christmas. Among the people due to benefit are pensioners and families on low income.

There are a number of key dates to look out for during December when money could enter bank accounts for those who are eligible, reports Birmingham Live. Here is a list of payments due to be made, including cash to help people with the costs of heating their homes.

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment - worth up to £600 this year - is set to be paid out during December. The money helps older people cope with heating costs during winter - and comes at just the right time as temperatures plummet.

The payments should enter bank accounts before the end of December. The Winter Fuel Payment is worth more than usual this year, in recognition of the cost of living and high energy bills.

The winter fuel payment is usually worth between £100 and £300 for those over state pension age. But it is being boosted by between £150 and £300 this year - making it worth between £250 and £600.

How much people receive depends on their circumstances. The DWP is sending out letters to those who are eligible, explaining how much they will get.

The Winter Fuel Payment helps those born before September 25, 1957 with heating costs and most who qualify should get it automatically. Anyone eligible who has not received it by January 26 should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by calling 0800 731 0160.

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount cuts energy bills during winter by £150 for certain pensioners and low-income households. The discounts can be applied at any point between October and March, depending on when energy suppliers choose to do it.

So it's possible that this could happen during December for some households. This money won't be paid directly into bank accounts. Instead, it will be added as credit to electricity or gas accounts in a bid to keep bills cheaper for longer.

In order to be eligible, customers must either receive the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit or be on other benefits such as the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Housing Benefit if you have high energy costs. For all applicants not on the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, the Government will assess energy costs based on the type, age and size of the property.

Christmas Bonus

Christmas is once again going to be hard for the worst off this year, particularly with energy bills to shoot up again from January. The DWP gives out a £10 Christmas Bonus payment to those on certain benefits and this normally arrives during the first full week of December.

It should be paid automatically to all those who qualify. To get it, someone must receive one of a number of benefits Universal Credit is not listed, meaning claimants must also receive another qualifying benefit in order to be eligible. Read full details here.

Cold Weather Payment

You've probably noticed it has become considerably colder over recent days. Any particularly cold snaps could trigger a special payment from the DWP.

It's called the Cold Weather Payment and is designed to provide extra help to low-income households and pensioners during freezing conditions. £25 payments are triggered if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days" between November and March. Eligible people include those on Pension Credit, Income Support and Universal Credit.

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